Collierville plans to fill positions with part-time help

After Collierville Town Hall's full-time receptionist left in May, town officials decided to make a full-time job into two part-time positions.

In addition, in the coming weeks, the town plans to hire a part-time public information officer who would work directly under the supervision of the town's spokesman, Mark Heuberger.

By hiring three part-time people, the town expects to save on personnel costs because none would be eligible for benefits.

Now with the receptionist vacancy, town officials say they want a journalist and a clerk to work Town Hall's front desk while performing other duties.

All three positions would be for three days, or 24 hours a week. The two people hired working the front desk would be able to have a flexible working arrangement.

With no discussion, the Collierville Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the positions during Monday night's board meeting.

Town Administrator James Lewellen wrote in his board report that he wanted someone on the front desk with a journalism background "who can work at the front desk, answering phone calls and handling normal receptionist functions, while doing research and writing content for publication on matters related to town government and community events."

The second position would be a clerical one that includes transcribing minutes for various boards and commissions.

On a daily average, the receptionist handles about 40 calls and a dozen visitors stopping by Town Hall.

"We believe you can sit at the desk and do Internet research or you can write some stories. Two days a week your first responsibility is going to be a receptionist," Lewellen said after the meeting regarding the journalist/receptionist position. The third day would be more public information duties for one day a week.

Depending on experience, Lewellen said, both front desk positions would pay $13 to $15 an hour.

The town has budgeted $40,000 for public information consulting, in which up to $20,000 would be for a part-time position.